Backpacking the Dolly Sods Wilderness

If you've never backpacked several days through a wilderness area, it may be hard to understand how a photographer/documentarian like myself could possibly leave my camera behind while hiking through one of the most beautiful regions of the state.  If, on the other hand, you have backpacked before, you probably understand how much weight matters.

The high meadows of Dolly Sods

Proper backpacking means that you carry everything you will need for the entire trip on your back - water, clothes, food, shelter, cookware, everything.  After days of hiking through rugged, slippery and mountainous terrain with more than 20lbs of gear, every single pound matters.  I agonized about bringing my camera setup on this trip, but in the end, decided that a DSLR and lenses were luxuries I could not afford.

I did take my cell phone (a lower-end Samsung Galaxy model) to capture a few images, and while the grain and lack of detail hurt my photographer's eyes a little, I thought I'd share them with a disclaimer. 

Final note:  If you live in West Virginia, you absolutely have to visit the Dolly Sods wilderness.  The high meadows, rock formations, beautiful creeks and waterfalls are resplendent.  You don't have to spend days backpacking.  Even a full day trip down a trail or two is worth the trip.

Lion's Head

West Virginia Explorations

Went exploring down near the Cheat River this past weekend.  The sun, the water, and the off-road driving were perfect. 

The Summer Weddings Continue!

Look at these lovely people in love.

(All photos copyrighted by Sensational Images.  Click here for booking info.)

This Is Why You Shoot in Raw!

When choosing the file format to shoot on your camera, there is no other way to go than RAW files. 

Yes, it's tempting to just use the JPG file format we're all familiar with.  But JPG files compress pixel information from its original (RAW) state.  RAW files take up a lot more space on your memory card, but the things you can do with them are magic.

Take a look at this shot of a father-daughter dance from a recent wedding.  I had turned my flash off a minute or two earlier, and forgot to flip it back on before shooting into the sun.  The result of such a mistake is a totally unusable photo.

Unless you shot it in RAW.

Salvaging something this nice is totally impossible with JPG files.  Look at how much information was preserved, even in the darkest parts of the photo.  I pushed the capabilities of RAW editing to its limits to end up with this shot, so there is naturally a little grain in the shadows, but who cares??  It's a fantastic moment that would otherwise be lost forever.  (And I promise, your clients don't care about that grain as much as you do.)

Elizabeth Ferris: Editor / Writer

 

During my recent trip to Virginia, I was able to spend a day in Williamsburg with this lovely person.  We walked around the campus of William & Mary, took some portraits, and had a beer at Chowning's Tavern.  (That Oxford comma is for you, E.)  As the heading says, Elizabeth is a writer and editor, but also teaches a class in Carytown titled "Taking Your Story Deeper: Editing for Creative Nonfiction".  Sound like something you're interested in?  Register here!

Custom Kendama

A Richmond friend of mine, SSengam Niloc, hand-painted this beautiful Kendama.

Here's that smooth mofo now. 

If you're interested in buying a custom set for yourself, get in touch with me at the site's contact page or use the above link to send him a message on Facebook.

A Walk Around Petersburg, VA

 

This week I had the opportunity to walk around Petersburg with model and photographer Sonnie Marie on a beautiful summer day.  We wandered around the Old Towne district and along the river, then had a beer at the new (and recommended) Trapezium Brewery.  A lovely day to spend enjoying the South.